AntiMicroX vs PadForge

AntiMicroX is a desktop application for Linux and Windows that maps gamepad controls to keyboard keys, mouse actions, scripts, and macros. It can be used to control desktop applications or play games without gamepad support. Users can assign multiple mapping sets to a gamepad and switch between them. Auto profiles can associate a profile with the active application window, but that feature is unavailable in Wayland. The application can generate SDL2 configuration to map atypical gamepads to generic controllers such as Xbox 360 controllers. The project says it supports X.org and Wayland, while warning that the Flatpak package may not work correctly with Wayland. Downloads include Windows installers and Linux options such as Flatpak, AppImage, Debian or Ubuntu packages, and installation options for Fedora, openSUSE, and Arch. AntiMicroX is licensed under GPL version 3 and provides a D-Bus service for some functions, including selecting the current control set. The project is seeking a new maintainer and expects limited support, with no new features planned unless external contributors provide them.

PadForge is a free Windows application that maps physical input devices to the virtual controller format a game expects. It remaps gamepads, wheels, flight sticks, keyboards, mice, touchpads, MIDI devices, HOTAS, arcade sticks, and VR controllers, producing keyboard-and-mouse or virtual-controller output. Up to 16 virtual controllers can run at once, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam, VR, MIDI, and keyboard-and-mouse shapes. Per-app profiles can switch automatically when a game takes focus, and 13 starter profiles are included. Gyro tools provide calibration, smoothing, and gyro-to-stick or gyro-to-mouse mapping. Supported Steam community layouts can be imported. Razer Chroma and Logitech LIGHTSYNC lighting are supported through their local software engines. A browser on the same Wi-Fi network can serve as a controller for up to 16 phones without installing an app. Remote Link shares controllers between PadForge PCs over a network or the internet. The maker says there is no telemetry.